Zephyrs homestand

Zephyrs homestand

METAIRIE — New Orleans scored five runs on six hits in the sixth inning to seal the victory in the series opener Tuesday at Zephyr Field.

The win was the third in four games for the Zephyrs (15-15).

The Zephyrs took a 2-0 lead in the fifth on one hit against Salt Lake City (15-18). With Wilson Valdez batting, Jake Smolinski came home from third when A.J. Schugel (0-2) bounced a pitch in the dirt. Paul Gran, who had doubled and taken hird on the wild pitch, came in on Valdez’s fly to right field.

The Z’s broke it open the next inning against reliever Ryan Brasier, getting five consecutive hits.

Zephyrs left-hander Brian Flynn (1-2) allowed one run on three hits, striking out seven.

PROMOTION

It’s Web Wednesday. Fans who follow the Z’s on Facebook or Twitter can get an exclusive offer for Wednesday’s game.

UP & DOWN

Second baseman Nick Green’s assignment to the Z’s didn’t last long.

He was sent to New Orleans when the Marlins called up catcher Kyle Skipworth on Sunday, but Marlins starting second baseman Donovan Solano was placed on the disabled list Tuesday with a strained oblique, and the team selected Green’s contract. They will have to make another move to clear room before activating him.

PROSPECT

With catcher Chris Snyder now with the Baltimore Orioles, first baseman Efren Navarro is Salt Lake City’s leading hitter this season.

Navarro, who is left-handed, is hitting .333 with four home runs and seven doubles, has driven in 19 runs and has 55 total bases. In his past 10 games, he has batted .389 with 10 RBIs, three homers and three doubles.

However, that’s not what’s most impressive about Navarro, who is in his third year with the Bees. He is perhaps more prolific with his glove. Two years ago, he was selected for a Minor League Gold Glove Award after making just three errors in 133 games.

“(Angels manager) Mike Scioscia said if you put him in a major league lineup, he would win a gold glove,” said Bees longtime radio broadcaster Steve Klauke.

This season, Navarro has committed three, bringing his total to 10 in three seasons.

Surprisingly, three of his past five errors have come on misplayed cutoff throws.

EXTRA BASES

Tuesday night’s game started an eight-game homestand for the Z’s, who begin a four-game series against the Tacoma Rainiers on Saturday. … Bees infielder Bill Hall, who is in his 16th pro season, is from Tupelo, Miss. He played in more than 1,000 major league games and hit 35 homer with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2006. . . . In the bottom of the second inning, second baseman Matt Downs’ name appeared on the scoreboard as Popcorn Downs. … The Z’s have the best record in the PCL in extra-inning games, 3-0. They have won five consecutive extra-inning games going back to last season.